What it Means to Be Waitlisted by a College
What to Do When You’re Waitlisted by a College
Receiving a letter from a college is often an exciting moment. However, being told your application is on the waitlist can be disheartening and raise many questions. Understanding what a college waitlist means, and the steps you can take to improve your chances, can help you make the most of this situation.
In This Article:
- What it Means to Be Waitlisted by a College
- Why a Waitlist Isn't the End of Your College Dreams
- How to Handle Your Dream School Waitlist Decision
- Waitlists: A Manageable Obstacle
What It Means to Be Waitlisted
College admissions decisions can be confusing, and being placed on a waitlist is no exception. When your application is waitlisted, it means you met the college’s admission criteria, but all spots are currently filled. As other admitted students make their final decisions, some may decline offers, and the college may begin accepting students from the waitlist.
This system seems simple in theory but can be complex in practice. The rise in college applications has led to larger waitlists since students now apply to multiple schools. Colleges often expand their waitlists as a backup, but the actual number of students admitted from these lists doesn’t always grow at the same rate.
Being admitted from a waitlist is possible, but it's essential to understand all factors involved and take any steps you can to maximize your chances while planning for other options.
Why a Waitlist Isn't the End
While applying to colleges, it's common to think about acceptance or rejection but less so about being waitlisted. If this wasn't on your radar, receiving a waitlist notice can feel unsettling.
It’s natural to feel frustrated or disappointed by any decision short of acceptance, especially when you’ve worked hard on your application. Even students who are accepted by prestigious schools may still feel puzzled when waitlisted by another.
Take a moment to step back and process. Remember, as waitlists have grown, you're certainly not alone in this situation. Lean on family, friends, and school counselors for support before taking your next steps.
How to Handle a Waitlist Decision from Your Dream College
If your dream college places you on its waitlist, you may wonder what to do next. While much of the process is out of your control, you can still take proactive steps.
Make Your Choice
Once you’re notified of your waitlist status, you’ll need to decide whether to accept or decline it. This isn’t a decision to rush, even if being waitlisted feels disappointing.
Accepting a waitlist position keeps you in line if spots open up, which is ideal if it’s your dream college. But, if you’ve received offers from other top-choice schools, consider declining your waitlist spot. Doing so allows you to fully focus on the schools that accepted you and frees up space for other waitlisted students.
Formulate a Plan
Check in with the college’s admissions office about policies for waitlisted students. Some schools discourage additional materials, while others may welcome updates.
Your plan should include steps both for the waitlisted application and your overall college path. Reflect on questions like:
- How will you handle a potential rejection from your dream college?
- Which schools have offered you admission, and which are you most excited about?
- Would a gap year help you achieve your goals?
- Could transferring to your dream college later be an option?
- What can you do now to improve your chances of admission from the waitlist?
Stay Connected
If you choose to remain on the waitlist, staying engaged with the college can sometimes make a difference. Many colleges consider a student’s interest during the admissions process.
Write a thank-you email to the admissions office, expressing your appreciation and enthusiasm for the school. If possible, plan another campus visit and attend any available college fairs or events to stay involved. Be mindful of the college's instructions regarding contact; you want to express interest without overdoing it.
Submit Updated Test Scores
If the college allows additional test scores for waitlisted applicants, consider retaking the SAT or ACT. However, time may be tight, so plan strategically to boost your score with available resources and test strategies.
Work with Your Counselor
Your school counselor is a key resource for navigating the waitlist process. They can provide perspective and help you focus on what’s within your control, like grades, test scores, and essays.
Improving your grades is helpful, but don’t stress too much if they’re less than perfect. Use this time to consult with your counselor about effective study habits and how to ask for support in subjects where you need it. These skills will be valuable wherever you enroll.
Waitlists Are Just Another Challenge
Being waitlisted can feel frustrating after investing so much effort into your application. If you have your heart set on a particular college, know that there’s only so much you can control at this point—after that, it’s a waiting game.
But don’t lose sight of the colleges that have accepted you. Even if one school waitlisted you, others are welcoming you, so shift your focus and keep building on those connections.
For assistance with your college essays, check out Admit AI, which provides automatic feedback to help write essays that will get you accepted.